Marine Biology Lab, Bio 222L/ CRN 30672

10-Week, Hybrid Lab

(4 hours in person each Friday and 2 hours independent work)

Instructor: Dr. Laurie McConnico

Contact information

Email Address:  Laurie_mcconnico@cuesta.edu

Phone Number: N/A

Office Location/ Hours:Please make an appointment 24 hours in advance. Office hours will take place via zoom. Office hours are also held in person, weekly.

Instructor Contact Expectations: 

The best and fastest way to contact me is by emailing me in the Canvas Inbox. I will generally respond to your emails within 24 hours during weekdays only. During busy times of the semester, the response time may increase to 48 hours. On weekends, I will do my best to get back to you, but I cannot guarantee an expeditious response. 

Course Environment:

This a hybrid course. We will meet in person on Friday's from 9 to 1250pm and then complete some work independently (asynchronously) online course will be using a Web-based Learning Management System Canvas as the method to disseminate information. Canvas provides the framework for the course including PowerPoint presentations, student data files, the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. Using the communication tools, you can communicate using e-mail, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and groups.

Class opens / Accessing Canvas:

Our first in person meeting is FRIDAY 1/24/25 at 9am on campus. Prior to the Tuesday classes start on 1/21/25,  you will receive an email to your my.Cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class will be starting and log in procedures for Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) used to deliver course content. You can access Canvas by logging into MyCuesta, then clicking on the Resources Tab, then clicking on Canvas in the Online Learning Channel, or by typing the Canvas address (https://cuesta.instructure.com/) into your browser address bar. Do not bookmark / favorite the canvas site after your login, or you will get an error message next time you try to log in. You must access the canvas log in directly. All students should login to Canvas before our 1st in person session on Friday, to complete the orientation module.

If you are not familiar with logging into canvas, please refer to the Canvas Quick Reference Guide. Once logged into Canvas you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the direction on the course home page.  

If you are having difficulty logging into Canvas after 1/21/25 and need assistance please email me or technical support at this email address: support@my.cuesta.edu. 

Online Learning: 

If you have never taken an online/hybrid class or this is your first experience with Canvas, please be patient with yourself. Online classes are not inherently easier, although they may be much more convenient for many students. You should expect to spend at least as much time, if not more on this course as you would on a course that meets face to face. Online components of this course will be self-directed and there will be a substantial amount of reading, viewing, studying, and writing required. Coursework (discussions, assignments, quizzes) will be submitted online. Face-to-face labs are required on Friday's. 

• This course is an 18 week, 1 unit lab course that is covered in 10-weeks.
• We will do ~2 labs/week.  Please be prepared to spend ~4-6 hours per week on coursework for this class.
• A computer with processing capacity sufficient to run Labster  (see details below) is required!

IS an ONLINE CLASS FOR YOU? 

• First, go to the Online Readiness Resources to take a "self-assessment”. There are many resources that were designed to help you understand the basis for an online class and the skills necessary for success. (If the tutorials do NOT describe you, then taking this class online is NOT for you and I strongly suggest that you drop the online class and enroll in a traditional classroom section.)

Regular Effective Contact policy:

Regular and Effective Instructor Contact will be met through weekly instructor initiated threaded discussion forums; weekly announcements to students; timely and effective feedback on student assignments; email, phone or messaging to individuals; and virtual office hours.

Students should check their campus/canvas email daily to avoid missing key information and announcements.

Students should login sufficiently frequent to complete all required modules and weekly quizzes before they are due.

Course Description

Marine Biology Lab 222L

Provides a field and laboratory survey of marine biodiversity and ecology, with emphasis placed on exploring local marine life and habitats. Laboratory exercises focus on the identification and observation of marine organisms. Field labs include kayaking, nearshore habitats, tide pooling, and visits to aquaria and/or museums. This course complements and enhances Marine Biology lecture (BIO 222), through hands-on field and laboratory investigations.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and describe adaptations, structures, and behaviors of marine organisms using microscopy, proper dissection techniques and live/dead observation.
2. Identify and describe characteristics of major marine communities

Text Book and Materials

• There is no required text.
• Supplemental Materials necessary for the class:
  • Technology tools outside the LMS:
• A computer (NOT on a smart phone)
• Stable internet connection and sufficient processing power for:
• Labster Requirements
• What is Labster?
• ConferZoom
• Adobe reader
• Microsoft Office for Free (including word and powerpoint)
• Transportation (and associated expenses) to local field sites (Morro Bay, Avila, San Simeon, Cayucos) is the responsibility of the students.

Technical Support

Cuesta students are encouraged to direct all technical support inquiries to support@my.cuesta.edu. If you are having issues with Canvas, you should contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680, or click on the help button on the Canvas Navigation to report a problem.

If you are having difficulty viewing the course or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct url: https://cuesta.instructure.com/ or you are using your phone or using an unsupported browser.

Your learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or Chrome.  This may solve your problem!  Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specifications.

Accommodations:

This course is designed using an accessible Learning Management System, and course materials have been created with ADA compliance in mind. If you have a disability and might need accommodations in this class such as extended time on exams or other resources, please contact the instructor as soon as possible so that you can receive appropriate accommodations in a timely manner. You should also contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services) at 805-546-3148.

College & Course Policies:

Academic Honesty Policy:  In addition to my course policy, please note all students attending San Luis Obispo County Community College District at any district site and when representing Cuesta College in any off-campus activity, assume an obligation to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner compatible with the Student Code of conduct. Please review the Cuesta College Student Code of conduct.

Add / Drop Policy: The last day to add or drop this course without a “W” Feb 1st. The last day to drop this course with a “W” is March 3rd  (see the Cuesta Calendar for exact dates).  All students are responsible for dropping themselves if they do not plan to complete the course. Failure to drop yourself may result in being issued a grade at the end of the term. In addition to my policy, please review the Cuesta policy for drops. Students who do not attend the 1st class may be dropped, if there is a waitlist.

• Add Policy
• Drop Policy

Waitlist Policy: Please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructions.